Today we celebrate Christmas and all that it means to us. Our hearts burst with gratitude for the many blessings bestowed so generously upon us this past year. The spirit of the season stirs within us feelings of love for one another and our desires for others turn to blessings beyond words. We act a little kinder to our neighbor, we stop and help the elderly across the street, we reach out to loved ones across the world with emails, Skype videos and messages of tenderness. It is a season of giving, of loving and forgiveness. We find ourselves more tolerant, and seek forgiveness for our own follies. Indeed this joyous season ought to be year round and we suggest that it can be.

The events of this past year have been remarkable changes for humanity and it blesses our hearts to see it. We have seen new presidents of countries elected, new banking regulations enacted, releases of funds for the prosperity of the planet. We marvel of the blessed abundance of these occur-rings especially this year and it makes this season of joy all the more sweet to us.

One small event in this last day has been the miracle of getting our dear brother Jerzy home to his mother’s for the Christmas Eve celebration. It was a journey of no small feats, as he had to brave ice and a snowy blizzard while crossing a the Rocky Mountains, even stopping at one point to let some of the storm pass. After 16 hours of what should have been a 10 hour trip he arrived safe and sound with only the loss of a front hubcap and the absence of the sighting of the Kodiak bear. His heart smiled all the way across Canada as his appreciation was expressed to Susan and I for the help. Truly this was not just an effort on our part, but there are many of you, and some who want to remain anonymous that made this Christmas miracle possible. The kindness expressed by the donations to get him there for Christmas is beyond words to describe. I have never heard Jerzy be more happy than last night after the Christmas Eve celebration. I gushed knowing that we all made it happen.

Another small miracle came just last night as word reached me that one of Humanus’ families on the other side of the world in the Philippines texted a call for help as it was Christmas Day and they had no money for food. A small bit of leftovers from the generosity of many put food on their table Christmas Day. They expressed deep gratitude for the gift, and I cannot express to you my friends how much this means to me that so much goodness would find its way to this family.

One more occurrence, as my wife and I were making our journey to her family’s for Christmas, we got a call from some friends who had given up their Christmas to go to Gatlinburg, TN and help give toys and presents to the children of families who had lost everything in the wild fires last month. They asked for our help, and we immediately responded we would be there to help. Little did we realize that this opportunity would be for our blessing. We made the detour to Gatlinburg and arrived to see our friends busy putting together bikes and organizing toys as the families came in and the children were invited to sit on Santa’s lap and go away with toys and a new bike. Many people from all around the country had contributed these gifts from the love in their hearts, and I only wish they could have been there to see the look on the faces of the children as they walked away with a Christmas to remember. The parents many times were in tears that so many people would care enough about their children to do this. Our contribution was small, but what we received in making new friends and seeing what love can do will forever be etched in our hearts and minds.

These seemingly small acts of kindness that many don’t see are what makes this world go around. If there were time we could have each of you share similar memories of deeds done for others. I hope that this Christmas we remember the reason for the season, that a lowly man from Galilee showed us the way to happiness through serving each other. His service to this day lives on in infamy. May we each leave our mark upon each other as we express our love in even the seemingly small acts of kindness. Even Doug expressed it well to me this day via text: “Make a day of smiles . Tears of joy to be with those you love and those who love you . Be blessed you’re alive to have this day. Merry x-mas.” Thank you Doug for the reminder. God bless you one and all for you are a gift to all of humanity!